Quinte Agricultural Hall of Fame > Wesley Down
WESLEY C. DOWN
1919 - 2001
Wesley Down spent his life balancing family, career, and interests as he worked to improve agriculture and the rural community.
A graduate of Kemptville College (1942) Wes’ career included dairy farming, beef farming, Rural Land Appraisal and Junior Farmer Loan administration for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture.
His interest in agriculture led to organizational involvement including being the founding President of Northumberland Junior Farmers, President of the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario, and founding President of the Northumberland Soil & Crop Improvement Association. He was also President of the Northumberland Holstein Association and a Director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
Community involvement included being a Trustee for East Northumberland District High School Board, a director of the Ontario Urban and Rural Trustees and Ratepayers Association, a Director of the Canadian School Trustees Association and a member of the Board of Governors of Loyalist College.
Wes was a vocal advocate regarding the needs and views of rural people in dealings politicians and civil servants. Through the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario one of his greatest joys was to “see these early planners and builders continue on in their breed associations, crop associations, farm-oriented federations and municipal and political activities.”
Nominated by the Down family
Inducted 2006